The Carolina Panthers are interested in free-agent WR Ted Ginn Jr. (Cardinals). According to a league source, the Panthers plan to reach out to Ginn, who spent the 2013 season with the team.

Fantasy Tip: Ginn isn't much for fantasy owners as a receiver, but he is a tremendous asset to those in leagues which reward return yardage to individuals. His addition would give the Panthers DST a little boost in fantasy appeal in standard fantasy formats, too.

Free-agent RB DeAngelo Williams (Panthers) said he was not upset when the Carolina Panthers told him last week that he'd be released. Williams told Charlotte's WBTV that DE Greg Hardy was the only member of the organization to attend his mother's funeral in Arkansas last May. The Panthers are saying that Williams has not officially been released. The team can save $2 million under the salary cap by designating him a post-June 1 cut. Williams said owner Jerry Richardson's failure to reach out to Williams after his mother's death was "extremely disappointing."

Fantasy Tip: While the Williams release technically isn't official now, it's only a matter of time at this point. At 32 years old and with plenty of injury questions, it's hard to see many teams jumping at the chance to sign him. Wherever he lands, we don't see him being anything more than running back depth for your fantasy squad. Jonathan Stewart should take over as the main back in Carolina after finishing off 2014 with an impressive run.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's expected new long-term contract may get done later rather than sooner. The topic of Newton's new deal was not even discussed when Newton's representatives and the Panthers met during the NFL scouting combine. If a new deal is not done this year, Carolina could franchise tag him in 2016.

Fantasy Tip: Newton had the worst season of his young career in 2014, partly thanks to nagging injuries and a subpart wide receiver corps. If Newton can stay healthy, though, he still has QB1 potential and should still be considered a starting fantasy quarterback.

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams has not been released and is not expected to be released Monday, Feb. 23. It was previously reported that Williams had been released.

Fantasy Tip: Williams could very well still get the boot and Jonathan Stewart should still take over as the main running back in Carolina. Until then, Williams should not be considered more than a flex play while Stewart has RB2 potential.

Fantasy Tip: Jonathan Stewart takes the reins as the starting running back in Carolina. Consider him an RB2 option as long as he stays healthy this offseason. Williams could very well be signed by another team, but he's very much over the hill at almost 32 years old.

Fantasy Tip: It would make sense for Carolina and Williams to cut ties at this point in Williams' career. Williams could still be signed by another team if he is released, but probably wouldn't hold much fantasy value.

Fantasy Tip: Newton has indicated he is in no hurry to sign, as he wants to wait and see how the market for Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck develops. Whatever the case, Newton is a safe bet to begin the season as the Panthers' starter but has shaky fantasy value because of how he fared against teams this year.